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White Sox land Myers in deal with Astros

White Sox land Myers in deal with Astros

7/21/12: White Sox general manager Ken WIlliams talks about acquiring closer Brett Myers through a trade with the Astros

By Scott Merkin
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MLB.com |

DETROIT -- The White Sox acquisition of right-handed reliever Brett Myers from the Houston Astros on Saturday had very simple reasoning, according to Chicago general manager Ken Williams.

"I just felt like the men in that clubhouse earned a little help," said Williams, after adding the 31-year-old late-inning hurler along with cash considerations in exchange for Minor League pitchers Matt Heidenreich and Blair Walters. "It has gotten to a point where it's time to make a push."

"Any time you add a veteran to the 'pen, let alone a guy who is doing well and a veteran, it's a good thing," said White Sox captain Paul Konerko of the Myers pickup. "It can't be a bad thing. We'll just welcome him, and hopefully he hits the ground running when he gets here."

So much for that rebuilding process reportedly once in the works for the 2012 White Sox. "Rebuilding" can actually now be replaced by the phrase "going for it," where the team sitting a half-game out of the American League Central lead is concerned.

Since June 24, Williams and his staff have addressed two major needs for their roster, acquiring Kevin Youkilis to play third base and Myers for the back end of the bullpen, without giving up integral parts to the franchise's future. The Astros are also expected to pick up much of what is owed to Myers from the $11 million he's due this season.

Myers has an option for 2013 that vests at $10 million if he finishes 45 games in 2012. Currently, Myers has finished 29 games but will be used in the same sort of setup role as Jesse Crain, according to Robin Ventura's comments following Saturday's 7-1 loss to the Tigers.

"He'll fit along well in what we're trying to accomplish," said Williams, whose team holds a $3 million buyout on Myers if the option doesn't vest. "[Myers] is known as a competitor.

"They're in first place," Myers told MLB.com of his move to the White Sox. "I'm pumped about that, and to play for a team that's fighting for a championship. That's why I play the game, to win championships."

In 35 games this season, Myers has an 0-4 record, a 3.52 ERA and 19 saves. At the time of the deal, he ranked third in the National League in save percentage (90.5, 19-for-21) and was tied for sixth in saves.

Adding Myers gives a slightly more veteran look to a bullpen that ended Friday's 4-2 loss to Detroit with Matt Thornton, Donnie Veal and five rookies.

"What we are looking for is not just talent but the makeup and the fit on the club as well," said Williams of Myers' addition. "He's along the lines of other guys we have -- that grind-it-out mentality. He takes the ball and is as aggressive as they get."

Crain was reinstated from the disabled list prior to Saturday's 7-1 loss at Comerica Park, so the White Sox in effect added two veterans at once. Getting back to full strength with the players they have might serve as the White Sox greatest moves between Sunday and the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Right-hander Philip Humber recently returned from the disabled list and delivered a quality start against the Red Sox on Tuesday. Gavin Floyd, battling right elbow tendinitis, will be off the disabled list and back on the mound to open the White Sox three game homestand against the Twins on Monday night, and Williams sounded encouraged with the gradual progress being made by John Danks and his left shoulder strain, which has kept him out of action since May 20.

So bringing in another starting pitcher could be of interest to Williams. It doesn't appear to be a priority.

"That's tricky, to a large degree," Williams said. "A healthy John Danks is the perfect medicine. We are comfortable and confident in that, and we've got very encouraging signs over the last number of days. So there's less of a reason to do something along those lines, but we have to play it out.

"Having a healthy Floyd, Humber is back -- I can't say enough about the way our young guys have stepped up and carried their load, and more. The veterans, too, that we have -- they have done it, too. Look at the rotation of [Jake] Peavy, [Jose] Quintana, [Chris] Sale, Floyd, Humber, adding Danks. How crazy do you want to get in pursuit of another starter?

"Of course, that's not to say if the right situation comes up and gives us an impact-type guy right now, I wouldn't try to make it work. It will be nice if we can play at full strength, with additions throughout. But I still have some minutes left on my phone. I may as well use them as we continue to be creative and improve the club, if possible."

As for the opinion on the Myers deal from the Detroit Tigers, the preseason AL Central favorite across the way that moved into first place with Saturday's victory? Well, they didn't really have one.

"I don't talk about other teams' moves," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "I know a little bit about him but not a whole lot. He's been in the other league."

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.